About the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a movement of law enforcement personnel championing inclusion in their communities. LETR is represented in all 50 U.S. states, Canadian provinces and 46 nations, raising more than $1,000,000,000 since its inception in 1981. Here in Minnesota, the Law Enforcement Torch Run as raised more than $58 million for Special Olympics programs in the state.
Every year, Law Enforcement volunteers donate their time and resources to a variety of Special Olympics Minnesota events like the Final Leg Torch Run, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, Cop on Top, and more.
By volunteering for Special Olympics Minnesota, law enforcement participants champion acceptance and inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in their communities. They help educate their communities about the gifts, talents and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and create opportunities to bring everyone together.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has given me more than I could ever give back. The opportunities, friendships and experiences I have been a part of have created a lasting impact on my life. The SOMN athletes I interact with on a regular basis have taught me so much about who I am and improved my life personally and professionally in a way I didn’t know I’d need.
History
LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.” With the IACP’s support, LETR became the movement’s largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.
Mission
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Minnesota is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms our beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that persons with intellectual disabilities, by their involvement in Special Olympics, show the community at large there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit.
Impact
Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. There are over 110,000 law enforcement members that carry the “Flame of Hope” annually. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
Since the beginning, LETR has raised over $1 billion for Special Olympics programs. Minnesota has one of the most successful programs in the world, with more than 1,500 volunteers raising $5.5 million in 2023. This money allows our over 5,000 athletes across the state participate in athletic, leadership, school and health programs that help them empowers people to transform themselves, their communities and the world.
Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising events, including the Final Leg Run, which kicks off the State Summer Games each June; more than 21 statewide Polar Plunge® events; Tip-A-Cop® events; Cop on Top events; golf events; a Plane Pull event, the World’s Largest Truck Convoy®; and other miscellaneous fundraising events.
As retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981…as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” LETR is changing the world, one program at a time.
LETR team
Kean Corkery
Vice President of Special Events
[email protected]
763.270.7141
Molly Egan
Director of Special Events
[email protected]
763.270.7142
Emma Fiedler
Special Events Manager
[email protected]
763.270.7140
Heather Fleetwood
Special Events Manager
[email protected]
763.270.7143
Cat Jensen
Senior Special Events Manager
[email protected]
763.270.7138
Peter Mayer
Special Events Manager
[email protected]
763.270.7144
John Weeding
Special Events Coordinator
[email protected]
763.270.7185